Abstract: The subject of this research is the modern civilization, which ever increasingly acquires and anthropogenic character. A number of researchers refer to its present state as critical, but all complex dissipative systems in its establishment go through the points of uncertainty, in which the future state of the system becomes unpredictable, while the magnitude of chaos reaches the maximum. The XXI century is being defined as an era of cities, but there are significant differences in development of these cities in the developed and developing countries. The authors give a general summary of the key trends of development of global civilization, as well as identify the key challenges of time and possibilities of adequate answer to these challenges. In the industrial era the city became the space of a strict segregation of people. The urban space divides people, and becomes the arena of sharp social, ethnic, and religious conflicts, producing the grounds for deviant behavior. The urban lifestyle also leads to aggravation of environmental problems. The project of garden city even in the modern post-industrial era remains utopic.

Abstract: The subject of this research is the urban water reservoirs within the framework of development of the modern anthropogenic civilization. Since the ancient times, water was not only a scarce resource, but also a notion of mythological and philosophical knowledge. Water environment played a major role in establishment of the first nations, as well as in development of economic relations by means of trade. Today, due to the demographic outbreak and environmental problems, in a number of regions we can observe a deficit of fresh water that eventually can cause the “water wars” in the future. Currently, the majority of humanity resides in cities in the conditions of artificial environment, and this is why the role of green environment and urban water reservoirs has increased. The relevance of the problem is substantiated by the continuing development of “polluting” productions within cities’ suburbs, urbanism, and change of needs of city residents.

Abstract: The article contains analysis of the consequences of Russia joining the WTO, the authors refer to the expert opinions, including those of economists, heads of Russian agricultural companies, village residents.  The object of studies is the Russian agricultural industry and the influence of globalization processes on it. The authors provide critical evaluation of the conclusions of economy experts, heads of large agricultural production companies. The latter note the negative consequences of Russia joining the WTO for the Russian agriculture and offer alternative economic projects.  The modern development of Russian agricultural production is analyzed within the context of Russian rural reforms, which took place in the XX century in the sphere of rural economics.  Based upon the historical analysis the authors draw a conclusion that the Russian village in the early XXI century did not manage to overcome the economic, social, and cultural crises, and Russia joining the WTO strengthens negative consequences in some aspects.  The conclusions of the authors regarding the perspectives of the economic development of the Russian villages are supported by the statistics.